Another season is in the books, and for the Ottawa Senators and their longtime superstar and captain Erik Karlsson, it’s been a particularly trying one.
After making it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals last year, where they were beaten by the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins, the Senators are a far cry away from post-season hockey. The Ottawa franchise has racked up the second lowest point total in the league, with only the Buffalo Sabres having less, and Erik Karlsson has sunk down with the ship.
There is no doubt that Karlsson is still among the best defencemen in the league, and he was rumoured to be a hot commodity during this year’s trade deadline. With Ottawa seemingly on the verge of a rebuild, it looks as though the man that has solidified their defence for almost a decade could be on his way out.
If the rumours weren’t swirling quite hard enough, a final sentimental act
Sentimental act while leaving Sens’ home ice for the last time this year may indicate Karlsson’s departure. Before heading to the dressing room, Karlsson skated to the empty net, grabbed the puck, and shoved it into his hockey pants for safe keeping.
After the game, Karlsson downplayed the act.
Either way, fans of the Ottawa franchise were bracing themselves for the waterworks if their homegrown hero does skip town.
(H/T NHL Gifs)
